TRPA1 deficiency alleviates inflammation of atopic dermatitis by reducing macrophage infiltration

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of TRPA1 in the pathogenesis of AD.

Main methods: The experimental atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions were established using 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). Mice were divided into three groups: TRPA1^-/- and WT groups were treated with DNCB dissolved in a 3:1 mixture of acetone and olive oil; the negative control group was treated with 3:1 mixture of acetone and olive oil without DNCB. The treatment lasted for 21 days, after which the animals were sacrificed and their blood, ears and dorsal skin tissue samples were collected for analysis.

Key findings: Lower dermatitis score, ear thickness, pruritus score, and epidermal hyperplasia were observed in mice in TRPA1^-/- mice compared to the WT group. Besides, lower dermal mast cell infiltration, proinflammatory cytokines, Th2 cytokines and the infiltration of macrophages were observed in the TRPA1^-/- mice compared to the WT group. Furthermore, we demonstrated that TRPA1 antagonist HC-030031 could alleviate AD-like symptoms and reduce the degree of epidermal hyperplasia in mice.

Significance: TRPA1 has a crucial role during the AD pathogenesis in mice, thus may be used as a potential new target for treating patients with chronic skin inflammatory disease.

Keywords: Atopic dermatitis; Inflammation; Knockout mice; Macrophages; TRPA1.